Chrozophora Rottleri Fruit–Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Antibacterial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of alternative antibacterial strategies. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts has emerged as an eco-friendly and effective approach.

Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Chrozophora rottleri fruit aqueous extract (CRFAE-AgNPs) and to evaluate their antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria, along with mechanistic insights through molecular docking.

Methods: CRFAE-AgNPs were synthesized via a sustainable green method and characterized for size, shape, and functional groups. Antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition (ZOI) assays. Molecular docking was performed to analyze the interaction of apigetrin with bacterial DNA gyrase.

Results: The nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 23.14 nm, and FTIR confirmed the involvement of CRFAE biomolecules in nanoparticle stabilization. CRFAE-AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with MIC values ranging from 0.1 to 500 µg/mL and ZOI values of 8.00–40.00 mm. Docking studies showed that apigetrin interacts with DNA gyrase via key hydrogen bonds, yielding a favorable HYDE score (−4.2 kJ/mol).

Conclusions: CRFAE-AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, supported by the presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as apigetrin. These findings highlight their potential as sustainable antibacterial agents, warranting further in vivo evaluation for safety and efficacy.